Russian Chargé d’Affaires in Egypt Yuri Matveev said that his country has long regarded Egypt as a strategic partner, noting that the two nations share common positions on most regional and international issues. He highlighted cooperation in several major projects, including the construction of Egypt’s first nuclear power plant by the Russian state-owned company Rosatom.
“The volume of our trade is expanding year after year, while our cooperation in the fields of science, education, culture, and sports is gaining increasing momentum,” he said.
Matveev stressed that the warmth and mutual understanding between the Russian and Egyptian peoples remain the cornerstone of bilateral relations and continue to pave the way for further achievements.
His remarks came during celebrations marking Russia’s National Day on Thursday evening, at a reception attended by diplomats, public figures, and representatives from various sectors.
Matveev said the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate Russia’s rich history and vibrant culture, as well as its remarkable natural beauty and the diversity of its regions, customs, and traditions.
He also expressed pride in the achievements of the Russian nation over the centuries, saying that the Russian people have consistently demonstrated resilience, patriotism, innovation, generosity, and a strong sense of solidarity.
Soviet Union’s Role in World War II
Matveev said Russia had played a decisive role in shaping the course of world history on numerous occasions, citing the outcome of World War II as a prominent example.
He said that when the future of humanity hung in the balance, the courage of the Soviet Army and the immense sacrifices made by the Soviet people were instrumental in defeating Nazi Germany. In the years that followed, he added, Russia contributed to the dismantling of colonial systems and supported the emergence of independent and sovereign states across Africa and Asia.
Turning to current international affairs, Matveev said Russia continues to oppose what he described as attempts by certain powers to dominate other nations under what he called dubious and unfounded pretexts. He argued that Russia is once again confronting what he characterised as neo-colonial ambitions, as well as the resurgence of neo-Nazism in Europe despite the continent’s painful historical experience.
He also criticised NATO, accusing the alliance of pursuing policies that have brought its military infrastructure closer to Russia’s borders. Matveev further claimed that Ukraine, which he described as part of Russia’s historical territory, had been transformed into a military platform directed against Moscow.
According to Matveev, NATO has openly sought to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia through military assistance and sanctions. He described the situation as a fierce confrontation in which, he alleged, Russia’s opponents continue to resort to terrorist attacks and the targeting of civilians.
As an example, he cited what he described as a drone strike on a student dormitory in the city of Starobilsk on 22 May 2026, which he said killed 21 young people. Russia, he added, would not tolerate such actions and would ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Matveev affirmed that Russia would continue to defend its security and national interests while pursuing the development of a modern and dynamic economy, regardless of what he described as external efforts to weaken the country.
He concluded by expressing appreciation for the support of Russia’s international partners, arguing that many countries, particularly in the Global South, share Moscow’s vision of a multipolar and balanced international order and have, in his words, grown increasingly dissatisfied with what he described as Western double standards.
